Television presenter Helen Skelton, widely known for her work on Countryfile, recently shared a harrowing experience from her early days as a long-distance runner. At 41, Helen has built a reputation not only as a skilled broadcaster but also as a dedicated endurance athlete.
On The Runna Podcast, Helen revealed how her inexperience with running gear led to a severe injury: “I was so new to running that I didn’t know about the importance of proper trainers, energy gels, or the right sports bras. I ran a long distance wearing two bras that caused severe chafing. I bled so much across my torso that my bra stuck to my skin, and I had to painfully peel it off.”
This candid story comes shortly after Helen completed her fourth London Marathon earlier this year, highlighting her continued commitment to endurance sports. Her athletic feats extend beyond running; in 2009, she became the second woman ever to finish the grueling 78-mile Namibia Ultramarathon, and she has also kayaked along the Amazon.
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In an interview with Runner’s World, Helen described her preparation for the ultramarathon as relentless dedication despite her initial physical limits. “When I signed up, I couldn’t run for ten minutes without gasping for air. Running down my parents’ lane felt like my lungs were going to explode. My mum and dad questioned if I was making a wise choice, but in less than four months, I completed the ultramarathon, running almost 80 miles in under 24 hours.”
Helen’s training regimen involved squeezing runs into every spare moment, even while working full-time. “Whether I had ten minutes or eight hours, I ran. I ran to and from work, and on Sundays, I ran long distances — from my home in Kew to Richmond by the river, then all the way back to Dulwich, often joined by friends.”
Helen’s perseverance has inspired others in the BBC and beyond. Jamie Laing, former Made in Chelsea star, completed a remarkable 150-mile run over five days for Comic Relief this year, raising awareness not only for charity but also for mental health—a cause that both runners passionately support.
Helen Skelton’s journey is a testament to resilience, pushing past pain and setbacks to achieve extraordinary feats in sport — and life.